Gibbs
Three Clones St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Gibbs – Cabernet Sauvignon “Three Clones” 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Gibbs Vineyards, a family-run estate in St. Helena, has carved a niche for producing small-lot, limited-production wines that often fly under the radar compared to Napa’s bigger names. The “Three Clones” bottling brings together Cabernet Sauvignon from three distinct clonal selections across their estate vineyards, creating a wine that is both powerful and finessed.
📌 Educational Note: St. Helena AVA is one of Napa’s most prized subregions, known for its warmer climate that produces plush, fruit-driven Cabs with round tannins, rich concentration, and a signature balance of power and elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum lead the way, accented by violet, baking spice, and subtle cedar. On the palate, juicy dark cherry, mulberry, and cocoa powder intertwine with graphite and a touch of vanilla oak.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and polished, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, balanced, and fruit-driven, lingering with spice and dark chocolate.
Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from three clonal selections, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 30% new). The clonal mix adds both power and nuance, making the wine more layered and expressive.
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or lamb chops with rosemary. For a cheese match, aged Gouda or Manchego highlight its rich fruit and structure.
Verdict
A Napa Cab that overdelivers—structured yet approachable, with depth from its clonal blend and a polished finish. Gibbs proves that small-lot Napa producers can deliver as much excitement as the icons, often at a friendlier price.
Gibbs – Cabernet Sauvignon “Three Clones” 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Gibbs Vineyards, a family-run estate in St. Helena, has carved a niche for producing small-lot, limited-production wines that often fly under the radar compared to Napa’s bigger names. The “Three Clones” bottling brings together Cabernet Sauvignon from three distinct clonal selections across their estate vineyards, creating a wine that is both powerful and finessed.
📌 Educational Note: St. Helena AVA is one of Napa’s most prized subregions, known for its warmer climate that produces plush, fruit-driven Cabs with round tannins, rich concentration, and a signature balance of power and elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum lead the way, accented by violet, baking spice, and subtle cedar. On the palate, juicy dark cherry, mulberry, and cocoa powder intertwine with graphite and a touch of vanilla oak.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and polished, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, balanced, and fruit-driven, lingering with spice and dark chocolate.
Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from three clonal selections, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 30% new). The clonal mix adds both power and nuance, making the wine more layered and expressive.
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or lamb chops with rosemary. For a cheese match, aged Gouda or Manchego highlight its rich fruit and structure.
Verdict
A Napa Cab that overdelivers—structured yet approachable, with depth from its clonal blend and a polished finish. Gibbs proves that small-lot Napa producers can deliver as much excitement as the icons, often at a friendlier price.
Had at Wine Not tasting - extremely smooth and delicious. Probably better with food than Old Ghost - 2021 and $49
Had at Wine Not tasting - extremely smooth and delicious. Probably better with food than Old Ghost - 2021 and $49
May 17th, 2025
Wow Soo good! Had at Victoria's Valentines Day dinner 2021.
Wow Soo good! Had at Victoria's Valentines Day dinner 2021.
Feb 14th, 2021
This is not Obsidian but Three Clones - I found it way to sweet and jammy - more of a Syrah but lacking tannin.
This is not Obsidian but Three Clones - I found it way to sweet and jammy - more of a Syrah but lacking tannin.
May 16th, 2020
